In February 2023, a captive-born Eurasian Eagle-Owl named Flaco escapes from the Central Park Zoo and sets off on a magical odyssey through the island of Manhattan. WILD INSIDE is an underdog story of resilience and self determination as Flaco the Owl beats the odds and accomplishes the impossible. Flaco busts out of his cage barely able to fly, but he adapts, he explores and eventually–it seems–he goes far beyond mere survival, becoming an internationally known icon of freedom, hooting from the highest water towers. He claims all of New York City as his wild kingdom. This one of a kind owl’s epic song is sung in WILD INSIDE by a chorus of besotted New Yorkers–young and old, bird-nerds and civilians, many of them immigrants themselves–all of them reaching for a glimpse of the wild, a glimmer of magic, or even just someone to believe in. Everywhere Flaco goes, he leaves that place and its people forever enchanted. Preceded by special video introduction from director Penny Lane.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu